Sweating it Out

North Herts Road Runners athlete Sophie Thrussell stormed to win the gold medal in her debut age group appearance at the World Aquathlon Championships in Pontevedra, North West Spain. Battling 30°C heat and a strong current during the 1km swim, she exited the water second before overtaking the leader during the 5km run to claim a 30-second victory.

​She celebrated her win with a medal ceremony later that evening. Tash Pitman, NHRR club chair said 'the whole club is delighted for Sophie.  We have all seen Sophie's commitment and hard work over the past months to get into the best fitness possible, so to see her take gold is an inspiration to us all!'

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Back in the UK it’s been a hot and humid week,with the weekend in particular providing a real burst of Mediterranean heat. But despite the challenging conditions, NHRR runners were out in force, producing some fabulous running, whether racing, park-running, marathon training or just out enjoying social runs.

Colworth Half Marathon
Beginning in the beautiful Colworth Estate, this half marathon started with a lap of the sports field followed by two laps of just over 6 miles around the Estate on a mixture of surfaces including grass, concrete lanes, gravel tracks and dirt paths. Taking part was Dervla Downing, who finished in 02:04:21, and Lucy O’Connor, who completed the event in 02:11:36 – both amazing performances given the conditions. Lucy commented that it was never going to be a race given the heat, but was instead an enjoyable trail run. The route was described as technical in places due to the tree roots, rutted fields and uneven grassy paths hiding the occasional hole, yet was a very friendly, well organised, and laid-back event. As an unusual reward for crossing the line, runners were given a winter beanie and an ice cream. Brian Judkins also provided sterling support and encouragement en-route, popping up in various places to cheer Lucy and Dervla on.

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Parkrun Roundup

Stevenage 
Chris Stokes​​(21:50)
Ellie Scott​​(28:15)
Vanessa Rolfe​​(38:27) 3rd in age category
Carol Goodrum​​(40:51)
 
Sheringham 
David Brewer​​(21:54)
 
Wimpole Estate 
Lucy Hurley​​(30:40)
Philippa Hardcastle​(38:28)
 
Longrun Meadow 
Jim Mcconnel​​(19:46)
 
Druridge Bay 
Daniel Wrigley​​(23:27)
 
Panshanger
Kris Whitmore​​(19:40)
Paula Holm​​(23:39)
 
Letchworth 
Ian Datlen​​(21:47)
Daniel Martin​​(21:50)
Laura Fairbanks​​(25:17)
James Dalton​​(25:29)
Nick Walker​​(26:24)
Steve Brenton​​(27:13)
Natasha Pitman​​(31:19)
Helen Cairns​​(31:19)
Jane Clarke​​(31:20)
Bev Rimmer​​(33:18)
Gregor Bowie​​(34:16)
Annette England​(42:02)
 
Great Denham 
Shaun Allin​​(18:51)

Millennium Country, Forest of Marston Vale
Emily Yossarian​​(31:56)
 
Warwick Racecourse 
John Russell​​(25:08)
 
Fulbourn Hospital 
Joseph Barker-Sherry​(26:19)
Brian Judkins​​(37:22)

​Great Yarmouth North Beach 
Hannah Keeble​​(46:56)
 
Henlow Bridge Lakes 
Grant Barnes​​(25:18)
Dave Braybrook​​(26:24)
Thomas Buzzard​(27:32)
Andrew Coates​​(27:38)
Lucy O'Connor​​(29:03)
Jillian Boys​​(29:06)
Anna Gibson​​(29:07)
Allison Blunt​​(33:27)
Tim Banting​​(34:45)
Chris Button​​(21.56)
 
Harleston Magpies 
Jon Hunt​​(24:34)
 
Leavesden Country 
Barbara Sayers​​(26:22)
Matthew Sayers​​(28:55)
 
Jubilee, Bedford
Richard Barker​​(24:20)
Carl Haskell​​(28:44)
Georgia Barker​​(34:18)
Vicky Haskell​​(41:41)